M8 and M12 cables in protective metal braid – a reliable connection for industrial automation

In modern industrial automation systems, a great deal of attention is paid to selecting the right sensors, controllers, or actuators. Yet in practice, the reliability of the entire system is often determined by a seemingly minor element – industrial cables and the signal connection itself.

It is precisely the cables that work in the toughest conditions. They are exposed to constant bending, vibration, contact with moving machine parts, mechanical damage, oils, and welding spatter. This is why they are increasingly seen as elements requiring cable protection at a level just as high as the system's key components.

Even the highest-class automation equipment won't work correctly if a cable protected against mechanical damage fails.

Nexotec armored cables – built for where standard solutions fail

In response to industry needs, Nexotec has developed a series of M8 and M12 cables with a sheath in the form of a protective metal braid, also known as stainless steel braid or metal cable shielding.

In practice, this solution goes by various names:

• metal-braided cable
• metal-shielded cable
• cable in metal conduit
• cable with metal protection
• cable with additional mechanical protection
• cable armoring / armored cable

This solution was designed for applications where standard PUR cables suffer accelerated wear or damage.

The protective metal conduit provides an effective barrier against:

• abrasion and wear,
• mechanical impacts,
• accidental cutting,
• welding spatter,
• damage during servicing and machine changeovers.

In many production plants, the cable is one of the most exposed elements of the installation, especially in areas such as production lines or welding stations.

Protective metal braid in an industrial environment

Unlike classic plastic shielding, metal braid retains its properties under the very demanding conditions found in industrial robotics, maintenance, or heavy production processes.

Nexotec armored cables perform well in applications where there are:

• high mechanical loads,
• frequent contact with machine parts,
• risk of damage during workstation changeovers,
• elevated ambient temperature,
• intensive technological processes.

For this reason, they are often described as cable resistant to mechanical damage, cable resistant to abrasion, or cable resistant to wear.

Thanks to its flexible construction, this solution combines protection with retained flexibility – which is crucial in dynamic applications.

High-quality PUR cable – resistance to bending and abrasion

The durability of the entire system doesn't depend solely on external protection. The internal material used is equally important.

That's why PUR cables are used, which provide:

• resistance to repeated bending,
• high abrasion resistance,
• resistance to oils and lubricants,
• flexibility in continuous motion,
• durability in dynamic applications.

This is especially important for systems such as industrial robots, continuous-duty applications, or dynamic applications, where the cable is constantly in motion.

Combining PUR cable with metal braid creates a solution for the most demanding industrial environments.

Made to customer requirements

Every installation has its own specifics, which is why we offer a flexible approach to configuration.

Cables with open ends

Used in control cabinets, switchgear, and custom applications.

Assembled M8 and M12 cables

Ready-to-install cables, often referred to as:

• assembled M8 cable
• assembled M12 cable
• armored sensor cable
• cable for industrial sensors

Available configurations:

• straight and angled M8,
• straight and angled M12,
• male and female versions,
• various pin layouts.

In practice, this is used with M8 connectors and M12 connectors.

Any cable length

Custom-length cables can be made. In projects where:

• cable assembly must be tailored to the machine,
• precise cable routing matters,
• excess cable length is reduced,

this approach improves the aesthetics of the installation and increases the reliability of the entire system.

Typical applications of armored cables

M8 and M12 cables with metal braid are used wherever standard solutions aren't enough:

• industrial automation
• industrial robotics
• automotive industry
• production lines
• CNC machine tools
• robotic welding stations
• conveying systems
• harsh operating environments

Cable protection in the toughest industrial conditions

In many production plants, the phrase cable protection isn't an extra – it's a necessity.

Metal-armored cables provide:

• mechanical protection,
• resistance to damage,
• stable installation operation,
• fewer downtimes.

This solution is especially valued by maintenance teams.

Fewer failures, greater reliability

The cost of a cable is small compared to the cost of a production stoppage. In many cases, failures result not from machine damage, but from cable damage.

That's why a properly selected industrial cable should be treated as a key system component.

Summary

M8 and M12 cables with protective metal braid are a solution built for the most demanding industrial applications. Combining a flexible PUR cable with mechanical shielding significantly increases installation durability and reduces the risk of failure.

This is a practical solution for companies operating in areas such as industrial automation, where reliability has a direct impact on production continuity.